Statue of Willem I

The Statue of Willem I is a bronze monument at Bisdomkaai in Ghent that depicts a man in formal attire standing upright. Careful detail is visible in the facial features and fabric folds of the clothing, showing the technical skill of its creation.

The monument commemorates Willem I, King of the Netherlands from 1815 to 1840, whose reign ended when the Belgian Revolution brought independence to the region. This uprising split apart the union of two countries that had been united just years before under his rule.

The statue displays classical artistic craftsmanship that reflects the complex political ties between Belgium and the Netherlands. Looking at its formal presentation reveals how relations between the two countries shaped public memory.

The monument sits near the canal and can be easily reached by following the waterfront path along Bisdomkaai. The location is open to the public and can be visited at any time of day.

The statue marks a symbolic spot where Willem I rode into Ghent as monarch in 1815 on one of his first visits to the city. This geographic link ties the bronze figure to a significant moment in Dutch history before the union dissolved.